When you visit us, you will discover that we have rules of conduct and security measures in place to ensure your safety and the safety of the artifacts you are coming to see. The museum is a U.S. government facility and as such, visitors and staff are subject to rigorous security controls. We work diligently every day to ensure the preservation of our country’s naval Pacific Northwest history for the enjoyment of generations to come, and we ask for your cooperation and assistance in keeping America’s treasures safe. When you visit, please be prepared to adhere to the guidelines described below.

While on museum premises NO VISITOR SHALL:

Carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, including knives and explosives, either openly or concealed on the premises. The prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors, including those with concealed carry firearm permits, but not to active law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms. Note: Kirpans (ceremonial knives) are religious articles of faith often worn by Sikhs. These knives are permitted in the museums as long as the blades are 2.5 inches or less in length, consistent with federal law (18 USC 930);

Carry a bag other than one received during a museum store purchase; leave all bags (purses, backpacks, diaper bags) in your vehicle;

Loiter, sleep, or participate in unwarranted assemblies;

Create any hazard to persons or things;

Leave children under the age of 16 unattended;

Perform obscene or indecent acts;

Engage in disorderly conduct;

Use, possess, or sell illegal drugs, and use or possess alcohol;

Smoke within the building or within 25 feet of building entrances;

Eat or drink within the museum building;

Disregard personal hygiene that conforms to the standards for public spaces. Visitors are expected to wear appropriate clothing while in the museum, including shirts and shoes;

Bring dogs or other animals, other than service animals, into the building;

Take photographs for advertising or any other commercial purpose; or

Discard personal garbage in museum trash (in loading dock area);

Solicit for commercial or charitable purposes or distribute advertisements, pamphlets, handbills, and flyers.

Visitors who violate these guidelines may be subject to fine or imprisonment.

THE MUSEUM RESERVES THE RIGHT, AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY REASON OR NO REASON AT ALL, TO IMPLEMENT ADDITIONAL AND/OR MORE RESTRICTIVE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN. THE MUSEUM ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DENY ADMISSION TO ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO IS CONSIDERED TO BE A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF THE PROPERTY OR GUESTS OF THE MUSEUM.